Pam has had a couple of rough days. The transition from I.V. meds to pills has been a challenge. I was with her this morning and is doing much better. Perky and walking a lot, we have been timing the laps on the 7th. floor hallways, keeps getting faster.
She continues to take less and less pain meds which is good news. Eating has caused discomfort as the surgery put her system on hold for a bit, but now her appetite is starting to improve and is eating small amounts of yogurt, cream of wheat etc.. I'm taking some of her split pea soup up to her today.
All in all she is still up there in the 10% group. The doctors have said the recovery time is 6-8 weeks, this is only day 6, something we must keep in mind.
This is no cakewalk.
Some of you know how extensive the surgery was, for those who don't:
Removed half her stomach, the gall bladder, the duodenum, 70% of the Pancreas, all the tumor plus multiple lymph nodes leaving clear margins in the surrounding areas.
So now you know. There is no reason to ask Pam what they removed, it is anxiety provoking for her to discuss the extent of the surgery, so please don't ask her about it. We are of course glad the cancer has been removed.
Our energies now are focused on her recovery. Hopefully she will be home by Wednesday the 11th.
I so much admire her for the strength and courage she has shown through this. She is the Love of my life.
All the flowers and cards are displayed on the counter of her room. Thank you all so much!
Another topic: Before all of this came to pass. In July of this year My brother in law Bill Hood and I left Astoria Or. headed north to Vancouver Island and the San Juans in my Cape Dory 30 sailboat. Pam joined me on the trip down the Columbia to Astoria.
We made the passage offshore to Neah Bay Wa. in 32 hours. The Ocean is an incredible thing, a very humbling experience. The expanse, beauty and stars are something to behold.
We then ventured to Victoria and into the San Juans. Trip was cut short with the diagnosis. Videos: The first about halfway up the coast 12 miles out. Second a stunning sunset. The third just north of San Juan island on way to Orcas Island.
The plan was for Pam to join me for a week or two, pretending we were both retired! Next year for sure!
Ben
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